Slots developer confirms plan for Millbury

Tuesday

Jul 9, 2013 at 7:02 PM

By Susan Spencer, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

MILLBURY — A slots casino proposal recently foundered in Worcester, but it's moving full steam ahead in neighboring Millbury, town officials and developer Mass Gaming Entertainment announced late this afternoon.

According to a news release, the developer, an affiliate of Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming LLC, said it plans to negotiate a host community agreement and apply for a category 2 gaming license for a $200 million slots parlor in a still-to-be-decided location in Millbury.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will award one slots parlor license statewide. Site-specific applications are due in October.

Town Manager Robert J. Spain Jr. said in an interview that the proposed casino would bring in more than 400 jobs and around $3.4 million in annual tax revenue to the town.

"I think anytime you can have the opportunity of anyone investing $200 million in your town, you have to pursue it," Mr. Spain said.

"You have to not only try to bring new jobs and new revenue to your town, but you also have to give the people a say," he said. He praised the state gaming legislation for incorporating an avenue for public input. "It's a win-win for the town."

Mr. Spain said he hoped a host community agreement would be negotiated by July 26. A town referendum must be scheduled within 60 to 90 days of the agreement's completion.

The proposed development would be planned to achieve LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency, according to the news release. Rush Street's Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Ill., was the first LEED Gold-certified casino in the world.

In June, Rush Street Gaming abandoned plans for a slots parlor in Worcester.

The company remains in competition with three other entities for the state's sole slots license.

Cordish Cos. has targeted a slots parlor in Leominster but has not yet gained a host agreement from elected officials.

Plainridge Racecourse has reached a host agreement with Plainville, and Raynham Park has negotiated a host agreement with Raynham selectmen. Plainville will have a townwide referendum Sept. 10. Raynham officials have scheduled an Aug. 13 referendum.

Contact Susan Spencer at susan.spencer@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanSpencerTG